Joanne Nail

When the code word "gumball" is passed by a rich young man, two housewives, two staid British gentlemen, one Italian lothario, one bug-eyed motorcyclist, a couple of Texans, an exotic model and other assorted types, they converge to participate in a hilarious non-stop car race from New York to California. The first of the cross-country road race comedies -- it's the original "Cannonball Run." Golden Globe-nominee Raul Julia ("Kiss of the Spider Woman," "The Addams Family"), Academy Award-nominee Gary Busey ("The Firm," "Under Siege") and Michael Sarrazin ("They Shoot Horses, Don't They") star.

Adam Arkin's first starring role was as woebegone teen Tony Walker, whose eccentric father (Ed McMahon) takes him to Transylvania for the weirdest family vacation ever. Tony is made immortal -- and really, really hairy -- when he's bitten by a savage werewolf. Twenty bloody years later, Tony returns to his high school, where he is able to pass himself off as his own son and enjoy all the glory he missed, including football stardom and hot chicks.

A disparate group of drivers take part in a secret and illegal cross country road race.

A disparate group of drivers take part in a secret and illegal cross country road race.